A 150MW solar farm near Scunthorpe has been given the go-ahead by the government’s planning inspector.
The Little Crow Solar Farm, from INRG Solar, will cover a 226 hectare site to the east of Scunthorpe and northwest of Broughton.
The plans were submitted as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project in December 2020 and recommendations were made to the Secretary of State on January 5 this year.
Bosses say it will generate enough energy to power up to 60,000 homes – the equivalent of half of North Lincolnshire.
INRG Solar Ltd, the company behind it, says that the solar panels would save up to 86,000 tonnes of CO2 being emitted each year. It adds: “Our ambition is to deliver a scheme that helps to address national and local electricity needs by providing a cost effective and renewable source of clean energy for current and future generations.
“Little Crow Solar Park could bring substantial investment to Lincolnshire over a minimum period of 25 years. As a significant local business, Little Crow Solar Park will be contributing substantial business rates on an annual basis to the local councils.”
A report to the secretary of state said there was “no doubt” the development was “broadly consistent” with national policies for “urgently producing more electricity, particularly from renewable energy sources, so as to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat the effects of climate change”.
It raised some concerns over the efficient use of the land and potential advice effects.
However, it said: “Setting aside the matter of whether or not the Proposed Development would be an efficient use of land, in all other respects I am content that there are no important and relevant matters that would individually or collectively outweigh the benefits arising from the proposed development’s generation of electricity.
“I also consider that there are no adverse impacts alone or cumulatively, or in-combination with other projects and plans, that would diminish the weight attributable to the proposed development’s benefits.”
It noted the construction phase would result in 233 direct and indirect/induced jobs and result in £15.9 million of Gross Value Added over an eleven month period, while when operational up 23 additional jobs would be created and an extra £1.2 million to the local economy.
The application is the 109th Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project and 68th energy application examined within timescales laid down in the Planning Act 2008.
The report mentioned “very little” community comment, with the few objections to the plans raising concerns over a lack of national policy, the use of farmland and noise and air effects.
The Planning Inspectorate’s Chief Executive, Sarah Richards said: “This examination took place during the COVID-19 pandemic and its associated restrictions, and the Examining Authority worked hard to ensure that local people, the local authority and other Interested Parties were able to fully participate.
“The examining authority listened and gave full consideration to local views and the evidence gathered during the examination before making their recommendation.”
The Lincolnite welcomes your views. All comments are reactively-moderated and must obey the house rules. Please stay on topic and be respectful of other readers.
A family-run jewellers with more than 50 years’ experience is relocating from Newark to open in Lincoln’s Cornhill Quarter next week.
Smiths The Jewellers was based on Balderton Gate in Newark for 18 years, but it will now move into the unit previously occupied by Oxfam at 26-27 Sincil Street.
The new shop will open at 10am on Saturday, June 4 and the business has collaborated with Chambers Florists, also of the Cornhill Quarter, to do a jubilee themed window display.
Smiths The Jewellers is a traditional family-run business selling a wide range of jewellery, both new and pre-owned, as well as buying unwanted and broken jewellery. The shop will also offer services such as repairs, alterations and valuations.
The four employees will move over to the new shop and two new jobs have also been created.
Business owner Sonya Smith is the third generation of a family of jewellers and she told The Lincolnite: “We had some amazing customers in Newark, and also who travelled from Lincoln. We are excited to be opening in Lincoln.
“The Cornhill Quarter is vibrant and such a nice place to be and will allow us to expand. We are a great family business with a lot of loyal followers.”
The trial of a Skegness woman who denies causing the death of Nottingham Trent University student Hope Starsmore by dangerous driving has been put back until next year.
Rebecca Porter, 33, of Cottesmore Close, Skegness, was due to go on trial at Lincoln Crown Court on June 27. Her trial was expected to last four days.
However a pre-trial hearing at Lincoln Crown Court was today (Friday) told more time is needed to gather evidence from expert witnesses.
Judge Catarina Sjolin Knight told Ms Porter her trial would now be listed at Lincoln Crown Court on April 17 next year.
Granting Ms Porter unconditional bail Judge Sjolin Knight explained to her: “Unfortunately there is very little realistic prospect of this trial being ready for June 27.
“I know that is difficult for you. I am sure it is also difficult for the family of the lady who was killed.”
At a previous hearing in October last year Porter pleaded not guilty to causing the death of Ms Starsmore on October 7, 2020 by dangerous driving on the A158 at Burgh le Marsh, near Skegness.
Ms Starsmore was rushed to hospital after a collision in Skegness Road, Burgh le Marsh, at around 8.15am on Wednesday, October 7.
Despite multiple operations, doctors were unable to save her and she died eight days after the crash.
Ms Starsmore had just started a course in medical science at Nottingham Trent University and wanted to become a paramedic.
Due to coronavirus, she had decided to live at home in Skegness and study. She also opted to commute to Nottingham once a week.
She was airlifted to Hull Royal Infirmary after the crash and placed in a medically-induced coma.
Her brother and her partner had been travelling with her on their way to Nottingham Trent University and received minor injuries.
Despite having moved to the Lincolnshire seaside, Hope had grown up in Corby, Northamptonshire.
Porter will next appear at Lincoln Crown Court on June 27 for a further pre-trial hearing.